Ruud wakes up to ATP Cup underdog in Norway
Casper Ruud will carry an unexpected target as the top-ranked player in his group when Norway return to the ATP Cup.
Novak Djokovic’s late withdrawal and Rafael Nadal’s COVID-19 setback have opened the draw for the Norwegians, who will play Serbia, Spain and Chile in the team event in Sydney.
Ruud reached the world top 50 at the start of the 2020 season when he beat top 20 pair John Isner and Fabio Fognini in Perth in the debut of the tag team event.
He is now world No.8 and one of many new faces considering opportunities given that No.1 Djokovic and 20-time major winner Nadal could miss the Australian Open.
Roger Federer’s absence from the ATP Tour since mid-season due to a knee injury has also created openings for the emerging stars.
“We were underdogs in every game we played (in 2020),” Ruud recalls.
“I was able to get two good wins in Perth which was kind of the start of a good year for me.
“This year I wouldn’t have been the No. 1 player in the squad if Novak had played.
“Of course, of course I will try to win every game, but at the same time, every game will be difficult. Every opponent is a tough opponent.”
Chile have world No.17 Cristian Garin, Serbia will be led by No.33 Dusan Lajovic and Spain have a typically stacked squad.
Roberto Bautista Agut and Pablo Carreno Busta – the world n ° 19 and 20 – offer a formidable double even without Nadal.
“There are three points (to win on three rubbers) so it’s very important to have a good team, not just a good No.1,” said Carreno Busta.
“I think in this case Spain have a very good team; good No. 1 to Roberto, but also No. 2, 3,4 and 5.”
World No.2 Daniil Medvedev, No.3 Alexander Zverev and No.4 Stefanos Tsitsipas are the stars of their respective groups.
Australia will face France, Italy and Russia and will be led in singles by Alex de Minuar, who has fallen to 34 in the world.
But Greek leader Tsitsipas said the tournament, won by Russia last year and Serbia in 2020, was more than a ranking.
“To each of us representing Greece at the ATP Cup level means a lot,” he said.
“Greece is known to excel at team events like football and basketball, it’s in our nature.
“We have a squad of young players hungrier than anyone else and that sets us apart.”